Organizing for Success: The 6S Model™
Step 4: Select
Clutter has a cost. It costs us time, money, space and energy. Think about the paperwork we seldom look at that fills our filing cabinets. Or the unworn clothes taking up valuable closet real estate. Or the unnecessary meetings and appointments filling our calendars. It follows then that getting rid of clutter will free up time, space and energy for other, more productive endeavors.
Most people get rid of clutter by focusing on the negative aspects of their belongings (finding what’s ugly, broken, or unused or unwanted) and as a result, this step can be emotionally draining—a reminder of mistaken purchases, unfinished projects, and unresolved decisions. And so we let things pile up. By focusing instead on what we use, need and indeed love, the process becomes inspiring and energizing. To remind us of this, I call this step Select. Here are some ideas that also keep this process moving forward:
- Create your Question. Create a question, or series of questions, that get to the heart of why you are getting organized, and keep them posted as you make choices about what to keep. Everyone’s question is different and sometimes relates to the goals set during Step 1: Strategize. Examples: “Does this help me reach my goals?” “Do I love this?” “Does this inspire me or help me be my best self? If not, is making space to store and time to maintain this worth more to me than my goals?” “When will I use this again?”
- Investigate what you legally or professionally need to keep. Ask your accountant, your lawyer, your manager, etc., for the specifics about what you must keep. Consider sending things you must keep but never refer to off-site storage or central archives.
- Find the resources you need now to quickly get rid of the items you’re ready to part with. Will you need a shredder or shredding company? Somewhere to donate or sell used things? Off-site storage? Finding out these details while you’re energy is up will keep your boxes and piles from sitting around too long. If you can’t find the right resource or have one you’d like to share, feel free to contact me.
- Systematically sort through each group of like items that you created during Step 3: Sort. Refer to your questions if you need to. Use the timer or alarm technique to stay focused and give yourself time for clean up. Enlist the help of an ‘accountability buddy’ in person or by phone if you need help staying on task. When you’re done, you will be left with only things that you love, need, or want. Congratulations!
Want to use this article in your e-newsletter or website? You can use this material in whole or in part, as long as you include this complete attribution and live link: Productivity consultant and trainer Cristin Lind of Clearwater Productivity helps busy professionals enhance their work and enrich their lives. If you’re ready to get more done with less effort, visit www.clearwaterproductivity.com.